Free Things to Do in Research Melbourne 2026

Research locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The free things to do options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ava’s, then work your way to Ruby’s. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. This is Research in 2026.

1. The Golden Place — 157 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: families

The Golden Place has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Nina’s — 345 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups

Nina’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Canvas — 188 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Canvas has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($20) — the best version in Research Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Yard — 121 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Yard has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. The Tall Store — 246 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: families

The Tall Store has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

The Research That Locals Know

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Research’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Research locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Finn Standard — 241 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Finn Standard has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($22) — the best version in Research Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Marco’s — 181 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco’s has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Station Street after 6pm.

8. The Humble Mill — 74 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Humble Mill has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Charles Street after 6pm.

9. Atlas — 269 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: solo diners

Atlas has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. New Depot — 29 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: dates

New Depot has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Eltham Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
• Research Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Research Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Niddrie Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Research stacks up
• All Research Guides — everything we’ve written about Research

FAQ

Is Research worth visiting?

Yes. Research has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

What can you do in Research for free?

Sol Social is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Research: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026